The History of Madrid, Spain
However, Madrid as such does not achieve a mention in chronicles until the late tenth century, at which time there was already a fort or castle where the Royal Palace stands today. This fort was occupied by the Moors, who having named the River Manzanares al-Magrit ("source of water"), referred to the area as Mayrit (from which Magerit, then Madrid) and around which the borough of Madrid developed in the following centuries. The old arab walls surrounding this settlement can still be seen today (more info here).

Casa and Torre de los Lujanes

The Casa and Torre de los Lujanes in the Plaza de la Villa in the west of Madrid is among the oldest buildings in the city. The house and tower (Casa and Torre) actually date from different periods. The tower is the oldest structure. It dates from the early 15th century, while the house dates from the late 15th century.

Plaza de Oriente
Visitors to Spain's capital city are often puzzled to discover that the Plaza de Oriente is located in the west of Madrid, while its name suggests an eastern setting. However, it lies on the east side of the Palacio Real, and that is why it is so named.


The Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid
Madrid's botanical garden (El Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid) was inspired by Fernando VI, who in 1755 gave the order for its creation on the banks of the River Manzanares. Then, in 1774, Carlos III ordered it to be transferred to its current location in the Plaza Murillo, alongside the Paseo del Prado, where it was inaugurated in 1781.

Olabisi